One of God’s greatest gifts to mankind is the ability to love
another human being. True love is quite different than fondness or attraction.
True love is sacrificial and unconditional. It does not change with our
circumstances and is not based on the other person’s behavior. It loves at all
times and is always sincere.
Some people go an entire lifetime without ever experiencing
true love in holy matrimony. Yes, they are married, but they have no idea what
it means to be in a covenant relationship with God as the cornerstone. There is
no spiritual intimacy and, unfortunately, without spiritual intimacy, emotional
and physical intimacy will never reach the depth or height that God intends. The sexiest thing a man can do with his wife
is to pray over her, lifting her needs to the heavenly realms. There is an
indescribable connection made when two people pray together and seek spiritual
wisdom. The bond created in those moments is resilient and will weather any
storm. The transparency creates confidence in every other area of the
relationship. Tender affection and respect become second nature. Holy matrimony
is a sacred relationship founded on biblical principles and draws its strength from
the author of true love.
Woody and I came to know that sort of love. It was a long
journey which nearly destroyed our union. However, the last four to five years
of our marriage were amazing. We finally had discovered what it means to be in
a covenant relationship with God and each other. It wasn’t perfect; yet, we
understood grace. More than anything, we respected each other. We never let the
sun go down on our anger. We gave more than we took. We loved at all times with
sincerity. We understood God’s gifts—marital love and intimacy!
It saddens me when I see couples in the church throwing away
their marriages, giving up on the most valuable gift God has given. Nothing is
impossible with God. No marriage is beyond the point of no return. Why do we so
easily throw in the towel? Is it because we are not truly loving? Has our
society redefined love so effectively that even Christians have become blinded
to the truth?
I am thankful for the years I had with Woody. I am thankful
for his spiritual leadership and all of the times he held me close and prayed
fervently for me, our marriage, and our family. I am thankful that I was able
to recognize God’s greatest gift to mankind and appreciate it while it was
within my reach. Do not take for granted what you have been given. Life is
short—sometimes much too short. In a moment everything can change. You do not
want to be left with a lifetime of regrets and “what if’s.” I can honestly say
that if I had known Woody would die that day on Mt. Yonah, it would not have changed
how we lived. I have no regrets. Will you?
